Module-1-Mathematics in Our World

Module 1 : MATHEMATICS IN OUR WORLD
INTRODUCTION
“A mathematician, like a painter or a poet, is a master of patterns. If his patterns are
more permanent than theirs, it is because they are made with ideas.” (Hardy 1992)
Oftentimes, people think of mathematics as something that is hard to understand, that it’s
just all numbers and computation and has no place in our life. This module will help you
understand that mathematics is a useful way to think about nature and our world. You are to
discover its importance and application to some areas, and further uncover its beauty through
patterns in numbers and patterns in nature.
You are expected to study this lesson and accomplish your tasks within three days, upon
receiving this module (1st week of this cluster).
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this module, you should have been able to:
a. identify patterns and regularities in the world;
b. explain how mathematics is exhibited in nature and in the world through Fibonacci
sequence;
c. express the importance of mathematics in one’s life through application
MOTIVATION
To jumpstart with your lesson, let us see how you view math as a student or as a person.
If you think the statement is correct, write AGREE. If you think otherwise, write DISAGREE.
____________ 1. Mathematics is exhibited only through numbers.
____________ 2. Mathematics can progress even without numbers.
____________ 3. Every phenomenon, whether scientific or social, cannot be explained by
mathematics.
____________ 4. Patterns that occur in nature are only for arts appreciation and not for
mathematical explorations.
____________ 5. Mathematics is not meant to be learned by everyone.
Important Reminder:
All activity/tasks in this module should be answered on a separate sheet of paper (short-sized bond paper), and each activity
should be properly labelled. When submitting the activities/tasks, submit only the answers, and please DO NOT return this
module for this will be your personal copy. There should be a front page attached to your output with your name, subject
(GEC 002), and the name of your Instructor. One front page only for all outputs from modules 1 to 3.
THIS MODULE IS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE, INC. ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION,
UPLOADING, OR POSTING ONLINE IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY IS
STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
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CONTENT
I. Quite often, people confine mathematics to numbers and arithmetic. In a way, it has
brought about unfavorable attitude towards the subject among students like you. However,
mathematics goes beyond calculations, it is a language by which the universe is elegantly
designed.
Patterns and numbers
A pattern is a visible regularity or consistency in the world or in a man-
made design. Patterns and numbers are correlative. Counting happens when there is
pattern. When there is counting, there is logic. Therefore, pattern in nature goes with
logic or logical set-up. There are reasons behind a certain pattern. That’s why,
oftentimes, some people develop an understanding of patterns, relationships, and
functions and use them to represent and explain real – world phenomena.
At this point, we can say that mathematics is not all about numbers, rather, it
is more about reasoning, making logical inferences and generalizations, and seeing
relationships in both the visible and invisible patterns in the natural world. In fact,
mathematics is also known as the science of patterns.
Historically, mathematicians have dealt with two types of patterns – numeric
patterns and the geometric patterns or patterns of shapes. From the words itself, you
may already find the difference between the two. But with man’s increasing need to
understand even the slightest detail in the universe, these patterns have possibly
evolved.
Some common examples of patterns today are:
 logic patterns;
 patterns in nature (symmetry, spiral, meander, foam, stripes, fractal,
tessellation, wave);
 number patterns (the Fibonacci sequence)
 Logic Pattern deals with the characteristics of various objects, or with order.
Some patterns appear in a sequence, while some has similar attributes. These
types of pattern are common in aptitude tests. Did you know that when you
apply for a job, most employers include logic patterns in their aptitude tests to
help them assess candidates? It’s a way of measuring mental ability and your
non-verbal skills.
 Patterns in Nature. Human mind and culture have developed a formal

system of thought for recognizing, classifying, and exploiting patterns. We
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call it mathematics. Nature’s patterns are not just there to be admired, they are
vital clues to the rules that govern natural processes.
Below are some examples of patterns in nature
o Symmetry
- agreement in dimensions, due proportion and arrangement
- it refers to a harmonious and beautiful proportion and balance,
just like butterfly wings.
- the uterus is an example of symmetry, according to a
gynecologist at the University Hospital in Leuven in Belgium.
Medical doctors can tell whether a uterus looks normal and
healthy based on its relative dimensions.
o Spiral
- a curve which emanates from a point, moving farther away as it
revolves around the point
- an example of a spiral is your fingerprint
o Meander
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- a series of regular sinuous curves, bends, loops, turns, or
windings in the channel of a river, stream, or other water course
- all over the world rivers generally follow the same pattern (as
the flow on one side of the river gets faster, it begins to slow
down the other, causing another curve to form, and then another,
until eventually you a snake-like river or meander)
o Foams
- a substance formed by trapping pockets of gas in a liquid or
solid
- a bath sponge, the head in a glass of beer, and soap foam or suds
are just some of the examples of foam
o Stripes
- made by a series of bands or strips, often of the same width and
color along the length, just like the stripes of a zebra, or stripe
patterns found in plants
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o Fractal
- an infinitely complex patterns that are self-similar across
different scales. Or any pattern, that when seen as an image,
produces a picture, which when zoomed into will still make the
same picture
- nature is full of fractals, for instance: trees, coastlines,
mountains, seashells, hurricanes, snowflakes and so on
- Used in modelling natural structures and occurrences like
mountain formation and erosion, crystal structures and a lot
more
o Tessellation
- also known as tiling
- a pattern of shapes that fit perfectly together, and have no
overlaps nor gaps.
- some tessellations found in nature are snake skin, and the
hexagonal cells in a honeycomb
o Wave
Did you know that
- a disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space, with
little or no associated mass transport.
- Surface waves in water show water ripples.
Cross waves are square-
like patterns on the
ocean’s surface,
beautiful to look at but
what lurks beneath that
amazing sight are
currents that can wreck
ships and pose a threat
to people in the water.
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There are a lot more evidences of patterns in nature aside from what is
mentioned, like, patterns found in animals, snail shell, galaxies and many
more.
Task 1
1. Name at least 3 things or objects found in nature that you

have already encountered or are familiar with that shows
pattern.
2. Discuss the importance of pattern in nature.
 Numeric Pattern. Mathematics is very useful in making predictions. It is
important that you are able to recognize number pattern to help you develop
your problem solving skill.
Did you know that
To determine the next number in the sequence, you have to:
In your younger years,
you are already familiar  define the rule that defines the number pattern, you have to look for
with number patterns – differences between two consecutive numbers;
such as 2, 4, 6, 8 – since  see if there is no logic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division,
they are among the
patterns you first squares, cubes, etc) in the differences, find other operations used in the
learned pattern; and
 if the numbers in a pattern change in the same way or in the same
value each time, then that type of pattern is called a repeating pattern
Try this example.
Example 1.
What is the next number in the sequence: 12, 13, 15, 18, 22, ____?
If you look at the given numbers, the difference between each pair of
consecutive terms in the sequence are: 1, 2, 3, 4. Clearly, the rule for this
series is: add 1 to the first number, then add two to the resulting number,
then add three to the resulting number, then add 4, and so on.
In this case, the next number to add with 22 is 5. Hence, the next number in
the sequence is 27.
You can get the hang of it with more practice. Now try the next one.
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Example 2.
Find the next two numbers in the sequence: 8, 13, 18, 23, 28, _____,
_____?
By just looking at the sequence, you can already see the pattern, because
the difference between two consecutive numbers is constant, which is 5.
In this case, to get the sixth number in the sequence, you have to add 5 to
28, therefore, the resulting number is 33. And for the next number in the
sequence, add 5 to 33, therefore, the resulting number is 38.
Task 2
Find the next term in the following sequence
1.10, 12, 16, 18, 22, _____
2. 5, 7, 9, 11,_____, 15, 17
3. 1, , , , ____
th
4. 2, -4, 8, -16, 32, ____

5. 30, 26, 22, 18, _____
In exercise 6, 7, 8, find a3 ,a4, and a5
6. a1 = 1 , a2 = 3, an= ( an-1 + an-2)
7. a1 = 1, a2 = 4, an = (an-1)(an-2)
8. a1 = 2, a2 = 5, an =(an-1 an-2)
9. RATS sequence. RATS stands for Reverse, Add, Then Sort. The first few terms of this sequence 1,
2,4 8, 16, 77, 145, 668….. the term 668 is derived from previous term 145, by reversing the digits of
145 to get 541, adding 145 and 541 to get 686, and then sorting the digits 686 from smallest to
largest to get the new term 668. Find the next two terms of the RATS sequence
10. The Lucas Sequence is similar to Fibonacci sequence except that the first two numbers are 1
and 3. Thus a1= 1 and a2= 3, and an= an-1 + an-2 for n≥3. Find the next three terms of Lucas
Sequence.
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Numbers and patterns dominate most of human endeavors: everyone needs
numbers to operate gadgets, home addresses are conveniently assigned numeric codes
for easier tracing. Perhaps, the most popular and unifying numeric pattern known to
man is the Fibonacci sequence
o The Fibonacci Sequence
- Leonardo Pisano Bigollo, working under the pseudonym

Fibonacci, came up with the sequence when calculating the
ideal expansion of pairs of rabbits over the course of one year.
- These sequence of numbers became nature’s numbering system.
The order goes as follows: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144,
and on to infinity. Each number is the sum of the previous two.
- Fibonacci numbers appear in nature often enough to prove that
they reflect some naturally occurring patterns. While it doesn’t
count for every structure or pattern in the universe, it certainly
plays a major role. (To know more about the Fibonacci
sequence or numbers in nature, visit
http://www.eniscuola.net/en/2016/06/27/the-numbers-of-nature-
the-fibonacci-sequence/
Here are some examples of Fibonacci sequence in nature

(https://science.howstuffworks.com/math-concepts/fibonacci-
nature.htm)
a. Seed Heads (insert graphics) – look at the array of
seeds in the center of a sunflower and you’ll notice
what looks like spiral patterns curving left and
right. Amazingly, if you count these spirals, you
total will be a Fibonacci number. Divide the spirals
into those pointed left and right and you’ll get two
consecutive Fibonacci numbers.
b. Tree Branches – a main trunk will grow until it

produces a branch, which creates two growth
points. The main trunk then produces another
branch, resulting in three growth points.
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c. Honey Bees – a honeybee colony consists of a
queen, a few drones, and a lot of workers. The
female bees (queen and workers) all have two
parents, a drone and a queen. Drones on the other
hand hatches from unfertilized eggs, meaning they
only have one parent. Therefore, Fibonacci
numbers express a drone’s family tree in that he
has one parent, two grandparents, three great-
grandparents and so forth.
Task 3
1. In Fibonacci sequence, if each number is the sum of previous two numbers, then what is the
tenth number in the sequence?
2. How is Fibonacci sequence exhibited in our nature? Give at least one example and explain the
pattern behind.
II. Mathematics is inescapable as you become an adult. Before you decide to doze off in
this class, consider this list of reasons why learning math is important to you and the
world.
Importance of Mathematics in Life
 Arts and design – math is also used by artists to draw patterns on clothes or house
designs. You calculate costs or even the amount of time required to finish the task.
 Calculating bills – if you aren’t already, we will all be home-owners an car

owners one day. With ownership comes the responsibility of staying on top of
mandatory payments like taxes, mortgage, and insurance.
 Computing test scores and grades – you need math to calculate test scores and
average to always stay on top of your game and not fail.
 Tracking career – math is needed for almost every single profession in the world.
If you want to be a CEO, a real estate agent, a scientist where patterns and
numbers are always involved, a businessman, it is without a doubt that numbers
will be utilized.
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 Handling money – another aspect of growing up is opening and managing a bank
account. It is important to be accurate in your calculations to take care of your
hard earned money, making no room for mistakes.
 Baking and cooking – during this time of pandemic, for many, these are hobbies
that turned to business. In order to prevent unexpected result, you have to be
accurate with measurements to consistently get the result or taste that your clients
liked. And of course, the costs and income.
Aside from the examples mentioned above, there a lot more reasons why learning math
is important.
Task 4
Cite one (1) activity or task that you commonly do that requires
mathematics, and describe how it helped you accomplish the
said task.
REFLECTION/ ASSESSMENT
Now that you have discovered the different patterns and numbers in nature, It’s time for you to
take the challenge!
Direction: Answer the following questions briefly.
A. Identify at least one (1) object or thing found in nature that shows pattern that you
observe in your locality or within your home and discuss briefly the mathematics behind
that pattern. (include picture if online)
B. What new ideas about mathematics did you learn? What is it about mathematics that
might have changed your thoughts about it? Write your answer in no more than 5
sentences.
C. Write a short essay (in no more than 10 sentences) focusing on how math helped you as a
student or as a person, and how will it help you more in the future considering the field
(course) that you have chosen.
PERFORMANCE TASK (PROJECT-BASED)
Congratulations! You are already on the last part of this module. Did you enjoy exploring
the wonders of nature through Math? I know you did.
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In this part of your module, you will be given a Performance Task to show or
demonstrate your knowledge, understanding, and appreciation in our topic. Choose only one
(1) in any of the following tasks:
1. Art Design (choose 1 only)
a. Digital Art
 Create a simple digital art showcasing your appreciation for Patterns
and numbers in nature.
 You may search the internet for arts that will serve as your basis, but
remember to give your art work a personal touch.
 It may be in jpeg form or in printed form when submitted.
Written Responses
1. What is the idea or theme behind your digital art? Explain in no more
than three sentences.
2. In your opinion, are patterns in nature math or pieces of art? Justify
your answer in no more than three sentences.
b. Tessellation Design
 Create a tessellation design showcasing your appreciation for Patterns
in nature.
 You may search the internet for designs that will serve as your basis,
but remember to give your work a personal touch.
 It may be in jpeg form or in printed form when submitted.
Written Responses
1. What is the idea or theme behind your tessellation?
2. In your opinion, are tessellations math or pieces of art? Justify your
answer in no more than three sentences.
2. Photo Essay
 The photo essay must have an original photo portraying patterns in nature or
the usefulness of Mathematics in your life.
 The photo may be captured from your own home or in your environment (as
long you will observe and not violate health protocols).
 It must comprise a one to three-paragraph essay, with no more than 200 words,
appropriately titled, that briefly explains the message of the photo.
3. Poetry (choose only 1)
a. Poem
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 Compose a poem focusing on (choose only 1):
 the usefulness of Mathematics in your daily life
 appreciation for Patterns and numbers in nature
 The poem must not be less than 5 lines, but no more than 10 lines. It
must be in text form, with font size 11, and font style Arial.
b. Spoken Poetry
 Create a spoken poetry piece focusing on (choose only 1):
 the usefulness of Mathematics in your daily life
 appreciation for Pattern and numbers in nature
Perform and record your piece.

The piece must not be more than 1-minute-long but no less than 30
seconds.
 It must not contain foul and offensive words.
Remember:Refer to the given Rubrics to guide you through the process of your project
making. You may work on this project for the whole duration of your prelim term, and may
draw inspiration from the next module to complete your task.
SUMMARY
 Mathematics is not merely numbers and computations, but also a work of art.
 The art of mathematics also includes patterns in nature like symmetry, spiral,
meander, foam, stripe, fractal, tessellation and wave, and patterns in numbers like
the famous Fibonacci Sequence
Mathematics is applied in our daily life, like in arts and design, banking, handling money,
monitoring grades, baking, and many other activities and fields
REFERENCES
Romeo M. Daligdig, EdD (2019). Mathematics in the Modern World. Geometric Designs.
Lorimar Publishing,Inc. 104 – 118
Earnhart, R T., and Adina E M. (2018). Mathematics in the Modern World. Geometric
Designs. C & E Publishing,Inc. 162 – 180
Melody Nieves (nd). Geometric Design. Retrieved from

https://design.tutsplus.com/articles/what-is-geometric-design-design-in-60-seconds-
-cms-
28079#:~:text=Geometric%20design%20is%20a%20fun,and%20even%20in%20je
welry%20design.
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Michael Cole (August 8, 2019). Creating designs using geometric patterns. Retrieved from
designwizard.com/blog/70-ways-to-create-amazing-geometric-designs/
(nd) Geometric Shapes. Retrieved from https://www.toppr.com/guides/maths/basic-
geometrical-ideas/basic-geometrical-shapes/
Karla Darling (nd). Using geometric patterns in creating design. Retrieved from
https://visme.co/blog/geometric-patterns/
Daniel De Guzman (May 4, 2017). The Beautiful History and Symbolism of Philippine Tattoo
Culture. Retrieved from https://www.aswangproject.com/beautiful-history-symbolism-
philippine-tattoo-culture/
Franz Sorilla IV (May 10, 2017). Weaving the Threads of Filipino Heritage. Retrieved from
https://ph.asiatatler.com/life/weaving-the-threads-of-filipino-heritage
Tribal Tattooes and their Meanings.(N.d). Retrieved from (https://latatoueuse.com/en/tribal-
tattoos#:~:text=Tribal%20tattoos%20are%20one%20of,history%2C%20team%20spirit%2
0and%20spirituality.
Google images
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Module 1 : MATHEMATICS IN OUR WORLD

 Patterns in Nature. Human mind and culture have developed a formal

Below are some examples of patterns in nature

1. Name at least 3 things or objects found in nature that you

4. 2, -4, 8, -16, 32, ____

6. a1 = 1 , a2 = 3, an= ( an-1 + an-2)

o The Fibonacci Sequence

- Leonardo Pisano Bigollo, working under the pseudonym

Here are some examples of Fibonacci sequence in nature

b. Tree Branches – a main trunk will grow until it

Importance of Mathematics in Life

 Calculating bills – if you aren’t already, we will all be home-owners an car

PERFORMANCE TASK (PROJECT-BASED)

3. Poetry (choose only 1)

Perform and record your piece.

Melody Nieves (nd). Geometric Design. Retrieved from

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